CD REVIEW: LONG WAY BACK TO THE MOON by Galactic Cowboys

LONG WAY BACK TO THE MOON by Galactic Cowboys
(Mascot Records)

They're Back! Houston, Texas based rockers, Galactic Cowboys return with their highly anticipated new release, 'Long Way Back To The Moon', the band's first studio release in seventeen years. The Galactic Cowboys have been one of my favorite bands since 1991. Why?  They've been considered as somewhat of an musical enigma,  a perfect combination of  melodic thrash, progressive metal, and BEATLES-esque harmonies into a genre of its own creation. Some people either love them or hate them. I LOVE them. The new release also features the original lineup of lead vocalist Ben Huggins, drummer/vocalist Alan Doss, guitarist/vocalist Dane Sonnier and vocalist/bassist Monty Colvin. 'Long Way To The Moon' offers up 13  brand new and modern tracks. Even though it's been seventeen years since their last studio release, the boys sound better than ever cranking out songs that contain all the catchy hooks, clever progressive song structure all with the harmonies that Galactic Cowboys have come to fans love. For me, the vibe takes me back to the band's first two albums. As for stand out tracks, "In The Clouds", "Internal Masquerade", "Next Joke" and "Amisarewas", but they're all really good. The amazing thing is how cohesive the album is - it all fits together perfectly! Overall, 'Long Way Back To The Moon' is a triumphant return for the Galactic Cowboys. Was it worth the wait? Hell yeah it was! Welcome back boys!
- Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: MOTH by MOTH

MOTH by MOTH
(Independent Release)

Los Angeles based rockers, MOTH bust onto the scene with their powerhouse five song self titled Ep. Comprised of, Gary Gladson on guitar, Dan Grody on drums, Joe Puccio on bass and Dewey Bragg on vocals. This ain't just some rehashed riffs and vocals. No my brother's and sister's. These guys are tight. While this is only Ep, the songs pack one hell of a punch. Each song hits your senses like a right hook. The lead off track, "State Of Your Wings", is a supercharger of track that begs to cranked to maximum volume. Don't expect a let up in intensity as the band rips into your senses and taking no prisoners with, "Cobra' Bite", "Alarma", "Womanizer", "Aim". These rock and roll wizards have conjured some really sweet riffs and magically embedded them into a album. You won't find any ballads here. The sound is perfect as the stereo placement reflects that of old school metal and beyond to melt your brain and bake your eyeballs in headphone ecstasy. This is the type of music which makes me picture my old Denon Turntable, Marantz Receiver and Cerwin-Vega speakers cranking out all those watts....keeping the roommates awake or just pissing off the neighbors. MOTH is the real deal.
- Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: BLACK BUTTERFLY by Steve Walsh

BLACK BUTTERFLY by Steve Walsh
(Escape Music)

Steve Walsh (Kansas/Streets) is back with his latest release, 'Black Butterfly', a recording that is everything you would expect it to be from someone like Steve Walsh, the man is a legend and this album oozes quality from start to finish. Backing Walsh up on the album are, Tommy Denander (Radioactive) on guitars, keyboards, Jerome Mazza (Pinnacle Point) on vocals, Steve Overland (FM/Shadowman) on backing vocals, Brian Anthony on bass and Peter Yttergren on drums. This album is simply amazing, but it's nothing like what Walsh did in Kansas or Streets and despite being a fan of both band's, I think that's a good thing. This is Steve Walsh putting out a solid melodic rock album that needs to be listened to over and over to appreciate it.  It has depth and power if you give it a chance. All twelve tracks offered up are all solid. Highlights include, "Born In Fire", "Grace And Nature", "Winds Of War", "Now Until Forever" and "Mercy On Me". The arrangements, the singing, the playing and the overall sound, they're all spot on. I was truly blown away at how this album sounds. Anyone who doubted Steve Walsh's ability to soar vocally will be pleasantly surprised, for all of the trademark high notes are here, which brought a smile to my face. 'Black Butterfly' is an exciting piece of work. Overall,  a rock solid album and a triumphant return by a true rock icon.
- Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: SHOTGUN SLINGER by L.A. Cobra

SHOTGUN SLINGER by L.A. Cobra
(Power Slyde Records)

South African rockers, L.A. Cobra are back with their third studio album 'Shotgun Slinger'. I will say this, this album will easily make any rock fan harken back to the old days when bands like Motley Crue and Skid Row ruled the airwaves. L.A. Cobra, virtually revitalized the sleaze-rock genre with this release. It has everything you could want in a sleaze rock record. Monster choruses and hard-rocking riffs. As exhibited on rocking tracks like, "Running Wild", "Ride", the title track, "WTFR (Wrong Things Feel Right)" and "Good Taste In Bad Women", the other tracks are no less enjoyable, or rocking. Beyond the large choruses, the heavy riffs, the guitar melodies and solos, what makes , 'Shotgun Slinger' a solid listen is the fact that it sounds convincing; the glamorous attitude is real, the sleaze atmosphere is real and the passion in performance undeniable. A modern-day classic for the glam/sleaze genre. I honestly can't see how if your a fan of late 80's or early 90's hard rock, like myself, you would not be impressed by this record. If you love Ratt, Motley Crue and Poison, you should be in hair metal heaven with L.A. Cobra.
- Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: MK II by Vandenberg's Moonkings

MK II by Vandenberg's Moonkings
(Mascot Records)

Veteran guitarist Adrian Vandenberg is back with his band,  Moonkings and their sophomore release, 'MK II'. As with their self titled debut, this new album has something for every rock and roller. Bringing back a classic rock infused sound with a modern day vibe. Jan Hoving once again delivers a solid job in the vocals department. While the rhythm section of bassist, Sem Christoffel and drummer Mart Nijen Es give the band a rock solid foundation. As unit the band sound tight and you can hear it in the music. The songs have plenty of bluesy riffs and hooks which make them easily accessible on first listen. Album highlights include, "Tightrope", "Angel In Black", "The Fire", "All Or Nothing" and "If You Can't Handle The Heat".  All twelve tracks offer up a terrific ride of an album that shows, in complete contrast to the depressing wailings of the trendy indie set, just how joyful and exuberant music can and should be, and how tremendous it can make you feel. Overall, Vandenberg's Moonkings are very much a band where the whole is far greater than sum of it's parts. Those "parts" are seasoned musicians who work, write and play as a team, and who have produced yet another solid album packed with strong material, excellent musicianship and strong vocals contributing to a superb set of tight, powerful rock music that I would highly recommend.  - Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society